Formentera, Balearic Islands to Barcelona, Spain
Alan's Log:
Joan's Log:
Alan, The Dolphin Whisperer
Sunday September 30th, 2007
Our last night in the Balearic Islands was spent at anchor in crystal-clear, aqua-blue water off the beach of the Island of Formentera before departing early the next morning for the 24 hour sail to Barcelona. We set off motor-sailing, and then shut off the motor for a few hours of pure sailing, but, unfortunately the wind dropped and we had to motor the rest of the way.
Along the way C&L kept a sharp look-out for dolphins. There was no sign of the elusive critters all day, and when Lauren finally said in frustration "I wish we could see some dolphins" Alan replied in desperation, "don't worry, you will at 4:30 p.m." So what should happen at exactly 4:30 PM? I promise this is a true story - a single dolphin came to visit us!!! For about 20 minutes C&L had an up-close and personal treat as the lone dolphin played in our bow wake.
We arrived in Barcelona as the early morning light hit the beautiful old buildings, the customs house and the statue of Christopher Columbus (pointing towards the Americas) in the Port Vell area. This will be our new home for the next 6 months! We couldn't have asked for a more perfect area to be in either. We are staying at the Reial Club Maritim de Barcelona,
it's a yacht club just a stone's throw from, and opposite the foot
bridge which connects the old port with the famous La Rambla and
the old Gottic quarter; it is literally the gateway into the
city, and just footsteps from our slip. Plus, just across the street
from our marina is a large new mall (there's a Ben and Jerry's & Starbucks
in there, hee hee), The Barcelona Aquarium, and a huge cinema & Imax
complex! I have a feeling we are going to like it here!!
After having an early breakfast together on at a sidewalk cafe on La Rambla, Chris returned to MF in Italy, leaving us to spend the next four days gulping up as much of city as we could before the girls had to leave.
Some of the highlights were the impressive cathedral: La Sagrada Familia, designed by Antoni Gaudi and still under construction with the most significant tower still to be started over 100 years after its commencement (more on this later).
We then entered La Boqueria, the temple of food. One of the largest and best fresh markets in all of Europe. It is just off La Rambla about half a mile from our marina. If it lived or grew in Spain it is probably here cut-up on display.
We know that we will spend much more time here as we get to know the city. This is just scratching the surface.
Then it was off for more culture and more Gaudi. We walked up La Rambla to Casa Batllo. So named for one of Gaudi's major benefactors and employers, this is a remodel. Yes basically it is an apartment complex that Gaudi remodeled for the owners and part occupants, while paying due respect to the needs of the other tenants. The scale is modest - this is no palace - but it is a staggeringly beautiful and thoughtful space. This was my first Gaudi experience, I don't really have the words to describe it yet but it is a powerful and effective organic building.
The Picasso museum housing over 3,000 lesser-known works (including Picasso Porn!) was next on our agenda. Then the Museum of Chocolate, fitting as it was the Spanish that brought chocolate to the new world. We spent hours in the medieval gothic area - Barrio Gottic - loaded with tiny shops, many specializing in just one thing, then walking in La Rambla again with the most colorful, creative and nutty street performers I have ever encountered.
A dramatic flamenco show and dinner at a classic spanish rotisserie restaurant finished one big day in Barcelona.
The beautiful tree-lined La Rambla is a people-watcher's paradise as the throngs of tourists from all over the world and locals parade up and down.
Later we met up with our friend Simon (son of James of APPARITION) who crossed the Atlantic in the same group of boats as us. Simon is working in Barcelona. We spent a very entertaining evening catching up with him and he very kindly took the girls out for a night on the town, giving them the opportunity to see a side of Barcelona that I doubt Alan and I could show them.
What a fabulous time we had, having the girls visit. The time with them flew by and before we knew it, it was time for all the girls to leave - including me!
I left the same day to attend an Art workshop in Tuscany with some of my good art buddies from Gig Harbor!
NEXT.....Tuscany interlude and art. Joan takes an art workshop.